“Here.” I led the way to the small preparation table in the back, the only place not covered with food. “That’s really sweet of you. Thank you. I wanted to get flowers but our poor budget is on life support.”
“Oh good, you’ve got a budget. Nice work.” Kim set the flowers on the table. “Unless you keep an eye on the bottom line, you’ll never make it. Did you know that seventy-five percent of restaurants eventually go bankrupt?”
Of course I had a budget, and of course I knew the stats about restaurant failures. I didn’t need the reminder. “You’re full of cheer,” I replied, wishing I hadn’t had to invite her, and was instantly flooded with guilt. Kim was a real estate agent whom I’d recently met at a party, and since then she’d been nothing but nice to me. Why was it that the more she did for me, the more uncomfortable she made me feel? Maybe because I’d caught her more than once eyeing Rob as if she wanted him for herself. But when I mentioned my suspicion to Rob, he’d laughed.
“Hey,” he’d said. “You’re my girl, remember?”
Maybe I was just being paranoid.
“Is there anything I can help you with in the kitchen?” she asked.
I grimaced in mock horror. “Let you cook? Are you mad? Didn’t you once tell me that you’ve never cooked a thing in your life?” I took the sauce off the stove and turned to Toni. “Kim uses her oven to store office supplies.”
“Hey, I was only joking when I said that.”
“Sure you were.”
Toni changed the subject. “I can’t find the vases. Do you remember where we put them?”
“We don’t have any.”
She looked at me as if I’d just sprouted an extra head. “What do you mean we don’t have vases? How did that happen?”
“We ran out of money after spending so much on those frivolous items—you know, like dishes, glassware, cutlery.”
“Crap, now what are we going to do?”
“Let’s see.” Kim looked around for inspiration.
By the back exit, I spotted the solution. “I know, wine bottles. There’s a bin full of empties right there.”
“Great idea.” In a couple of strides, Kim was picking through the pile of bottles. “Wow, you sure serve a lot of wine.”
“Half of those are from our late-night planning sessions,” Toni said.
“More like late-night partying,” countered Kim, laughing. “Next time, invite me. It sounds like fun.”
I gave Toni a look, mouthing, “Don’t you dare.” She nodded imperceptibly.
For the next half hour, Kim cut, trimmed and assembled until she had a dozen gorgeous flower arrangements. I had to hand it to her. The girl was good.
“Help me bring them out,” she said, already carrying two.
A few minutes later, Kim called me to come and see. I grabbed a bar towel and, wiping my hands, popped my head into the dining room.
“Wow!” I exclaimed.
“What do you think?”
“Nice. Really, really nice.”
Even now, weeks after we’d opened, I still caught my breath every time I looked at the dining room. It was spectacular. Although not large, the room had eighteen-foot ceilings, which, when we’d first found the space, had been covered with a crisscross of dusty industrial pipes.
“That’s an easy problem to fix,” I’d told a doubtful Toni. I pointed at the network of plumbing and sprinklers. “We paint the pipes and the ceiling a velvety black and camouflage the whole thing.”
I’d been right. The pipes seemed to disappear into the ceiling, which then appeared even higher. For the floor, I had chosen a black-and-white harlequin pattern of linoleum tiles.
Toni and I had decided to have seating for no more than sixteen guests—that way we’d always look full. We gathered a mishmash of tables and chairs and painted the collection a bright fuchsia. We shopped for inexpensive wrought-iron chandeliers, spray-painted them glossy black, and hung one over each table. As a final touch, we covered every inch of wall space with dozens of gold-framed mirrors, some cracked, others peeling. The dishes we assembled were a hodgepodge of secondhand porcelain, as were the crystal glasses and silver cutlery. The two of us had scoured thrift shops and garage sales for three months of Saturdays to find every piece we needed. In the end, we’d created a bright, elegant and funky decor for next to nothing. Very eclectic. Very Queen West.
Next to me, Toni was admiring the effect. “I can hardly believe what we accomplished with such a small budget. You know what I think?”
“What?”
Toni gave me a high five. “I think our guests will be blown away. They’ll tell their friends, and their friends will tell their friends. Before we know it, people will be lining up to get in.”
I crossed my fingers. “From your mouth to God’s ear.” Then I asked her what I really wanted to know. “Do you think Rob will like it?”
Standing behind Toni, Kim laughed. “That’s the reason you’re so stressed out. You’re afraid Rob won’t like it.”
In the four weeks since we’d opened, I’d adamantly refused to let Rob come over. I was afraid he might label our creation tacky. When I first mentioned “Skinny’s on Queen” as the name we’d picked, he’s been less than enthusiastic.
“I don’t get it,” he’d told me at the time. “Why wouldn’t you pick a name that people will immediately associate with fine cuisine? Skinny’s on Queen sounds like a greasy spoon.”
I’d tried to explain to him that our marketing plan was to make the place unpretentious and hip in an effort to attract a younger and trendier crowd. “We don’t have the money to go high-end. We’re relying on a cool image and excellent food to keep our clients coming back.”
The way Rob had raised his eyebrows told me that I should wait until just the right time to invite him over, even if it meant creating the right time myself.
“You’re right. I don’t know why I worry. Rob’s been so excited at the thought of tonight’s party that I know he’ll be impressed,” I told her, hoping this was at least half true.
Toni’s agenda and mine were slightly different. “Don’t forget,” she reminded me, “tonight is just a rehearsal for the press party.”
Of course I cared about impressing the press. The success of our business depended on it. However, call me silly, call me hopelessly romantic, but I cared just as much about impressing Rob. After all, tonight was the night he’d pop the question. I just knew it.
cute doctors don’t like fat girls
I was in the powder room retouching my makeup and—I couldn’t help it—playing reels of Rob’s proposal in my mind. I’d been running them, one after another, since I’d overheard him on the phone a week ago. I’d already imagined everything from the over-the-top proposal in skywriting, complete with balloon launch, to the surprise ring-in-the-Champagne. My latest fantasy was this one: Rob would wait until the end of the meal, then he’d stand up and make a toast. “To Nicole, the woman who’s brought joy and happiness to my life.” Of course, everyone would get up and, when the applause quieted, he’d take my hand, look deeply in my eyes and say, “I love you, Nicole, and I would be honored if you’d be my wife.”
I savored the imaginary moment before discarding it as too corny. There was no way in hell Rob would propose that way. He was a very private person and abhorred public displays of affection. Chances were he’d just wait for everyone to leave, then he’d pop the question.
“Hey,” he’d say, “I’ve been thinking. How about we get hitched?”
Sigh. Not the most romantic proposal but, hey, as long as he asked.
I had a quick vision of my mother helping me into my wedding dress. I wished she’d lived to see the day. She would have been so happy. The thought brought tears to my eyes.
The guests were scheduled to arrive any minute. This emotional fantasizing had to stop, otherwise I’d be greeting them with red eyes and nose—not the best look for the most important night of my life. I quickly dabbed the tears away and reapplied mascara and a fresh coa
t of lipstick.
The door to the ladies’ room flew open and Toni popped her head in. She looked amazing. Her hair was tied back, loose strands framing her lovely face. I got a glimpse of red silk and golden shoulders. I made an immediate mental note to not stand anywhere near Toni tonight.
“Let’s get this show on the road,” she said, turned and left. The bell above the front door tinkled as people arrived. I gave my hair a quick toss and stepped into the dining room.
Before I was halfway to the door, Jake, our headwaiter, pulled me to the side. “Stay right there,” he ordered, pointing his camera at me. “Now smile.”
I stood self-consciously, holding in my stomach and smiling until the camera flashed. Then Jake hurried to the front where he took photos of the arriving guests.
“Nicky!” This cheerful greeting was from Janice Bradley, an obstetrics resident who’d been in medical school with Rob. I liked Janice. Of all Rob’s friends, she had been the first to make me feel welcome into their fold. With her was her husband Simon.
“Janice. How long has it been?” I hurried over and kissed her on both cheeks. It had been months since we’d last gotten together, which was weird because Rob and I used to see them regularly.
“Way too long. Rob’s been overwhelmed at work,” she replied, smiling. “You look wonderful.”
“And so do you.”
Janice was what most people would call waifish. She was so thin that two of her could fit inside one of my dresses. But for all her fragile appearance, the girl was tight and sinewy from years of running. Rob had once told me that she thought nothing of going for a one-or two-hour run. My idea of long-distance running was, at best, half a block to catch the streetcar. When she found the time to work out with a resident’s crazy schedule, I couldn’t imagine. Tonight, she was wearing a gorgeous blue knit dress. It was sleeveless and short enough to show her legs. Ugh. I would look awful in something like that.
I turned to Simon. “I’m so glad you could come.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. It’s this wife of mine who’s more difficult to pin down, but she moved her schedule around so she could make it.” He wrapped an arm around Janice, and she smiled up at him.
It warmed my heart to see those two so obviously in love.
Simon looked better than the last time I’d seen him. When Rob and I had dinner with the Bradleys six months ago, I’d been shocked at Simon’s pallor and at how much weight he’d lost. When I mentioned it to Rob on the way home that night, he’d commented that with the state of the stock market, it was a wonder Simon didn’t look worse. Well, judging by his appearance now, the market must have improved.
Toni came over for an introduction. “Toni, I want you to meet my friends Janice and Simon Bradley. Janice is a resident at St. Timothy’s, and Simon is an investment advisor.”
Toni extended her hand. “Nice to meet you. Why don’t I show you to your table?”
They followed her, and I turned to the arriving guests. Within a few minutes, a dozen people had come in and they were all speaking at once.
“Hello, hello. Kiss, kiss. Beautiful place! Congratulations! So happy for you…”
I felt a pat on my behind and nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned around, thrilled to see Rob all dressed up in a suit and wearing a grin. He handed me a bunch of flowers. “Hello there,” he said, sending my heart aflutter.
He was so handsome, he nearly took my breath away. He was tall and nicely built, his dark hair shiny, with just enough length for me to run my fingers through it. His mouth was full and his grin wicked. But his best feature was his eyes. They were deep blue and fringed with thick dark lashes. Whenever he gave me that special look, I’d crumple.
“Oh, honey. That’s so sweet.” I discreetly looked him up and down to see if I could spot a jewelry-box bulge in one of his pockets. Nothing. But that didn’t mean anything, and I kept my smile from slipping. I knew he had the ring. He’d simply left the box at home.
“Don’t mention it,” he said, leaning over and kissing my cheek. Then he stepped back and looked around. “Wow, this place looks great.” The kiss felt superficial, but I reminded myself that he was surrounded by coworkers. I imagined the kisses he’d give me later, when we were alone.
Standing next to him was Gordon Page, another resident. The place was now crawling with young doctors. He buddy-slapped Rob on the back. “You mean to say you haven’t been here before tonight?” he asked, an incredulous look on his face. “What is wrong with you, my man? If my girlfriend opened a restaurant I would have been the first one there.”
“Hey, don’t blame me. Blame her.” Rob chuckled, tilting his head toward me. “She wouldn’t let me anywhere near here until tonight.”
“That’s true.” I jumped to Rob’s defense. “I wanted tonight to be a surprise. Well, not a surprise exactly, since he knew about the dinner party, but I wanted somewhat of an unveiling.”
“All I can say is, job well done. The place looks wonderful,” Gordon said.
Behind us, more people were coming in, so Toni escorted Rob and Gordon to their appointed tables. When she rejoined me at the front, she was grinning from bejeweled ear to bejeweled ear.
“The lime curd is almost ready to pour. That just goes to show you, when life hands you lemons, just chuck them over your shoulder and use limes.” She pulled me aside and whispered, “By the way, that Gordon Page fellow was asking about Kim. I think he likes her. Do you think I should seat them together?”
“Good idea.” That would keep her out of my hair for the evening, and more important, away from Rob.
“Is she seeing anyone?” Toni asked. “There’s no point in setting her up with Gordon if she is.”
“Not so far as I know. In fact, I’ve never known her to date anyone in particular.”
“I don’t get it. She’s gorgeous. I bet men flock to her. Why isn’t she involved with someone?”
“Don’t ask me. Ask her.”
Toni shook her head. “If I had men swarming all over me, I’d be going ‘I’ll take you, and you and you.’”
“You do have men swarming all over you. As for Kim, I asked her why once, and she told me she’s looking for the perfect man,” I said.
“Don’t tell me she still believes in that myth.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“There is no such thing as the right man. It’s the right relationship, and a relationship is not luck. It’s something you create.”
Every now and then, Toni came up with something completely and profoundly true, and when she did, it surprised the hell out of me.
Toni smiled at me, conspiratorially. “Let’s move Dr. Page to Kim’s table.”
I didn’t think there was much point in it, but you never knew. I scanned the room and spotted her chatting with Rob—of course.
“Go tell Dr. Page to change tables before she notices, otherwise she’ll accuse us of matchmaking.”
Toni nodded. “Good idea.” Off she went, a woman on a mission.
At last the guests were seated and dinner was about to be served. On my way back to the kitchen, I paused in the doorway to take in the packed dining room. The scene was beyond what I had imagined. Crisp white tablecloths covered every table, and Kim’s flower arrangements sat neatly on top. The lights sparkled and reflected in the dozens of mirrors covering the walls. The place looked dazzling. Jake buzzed about, refilling glasses and serving appetizers, the miniature seafood cakes from my secret recipe. If the guests liked them, I’d make them again for the press party. The background music we’d so carefully selected was almost inaudible over the hum of conversation, the laughter and the clinking of glasses. The evening was a success, a smashing success. Rob had to be thrilled. I leaned against the door frame and allowed myself to savor this moment.
Planning this party had taken me weeks of preparation. First there’d been the menu, then the invitations and the shopping, not to mention the time I’d put into perfecting each recipe
. So far, everything was going well. Considering the cost of this wingding, how could it not be terrific? I pinched myself. Everything was coming up roses—ever since meeting Rob, that was.
I’d met Rob almost two years ago and we’d hit it off—he with his dark good looks and me with my extra pounds. Who’da thunk it?
I glanced across the room to where he was huddling with his coworkers. He was laughing, having a good time. My heart swelled. How’d I get so lucky?
Maybe he wouldn’t wait until the end of the meal. Maybe he’d stand up in the middle of the sole amandine and… Or better yet, maybe he’d secretly drop the ring in my glass of wine and… What if I choked? What if I teared up? I made a mental note to not go into an “ugly cry.” I got a sudden vision of a red nose and makeup running down my cheeks. Maybe it would be better if he asked me after everyone left.
It never ceased to amaze me how life continued to offer surprises. After years of heartbreaks and dozens of first dates followed by very few second dates, I’d decided that maybe I wasn’t destined to be in a relationship. I had friends. I had Jackie Chan. So I wasn’t entirely alone. I’d even convinced myself that I didn’t care if I became a crabby old maid, sitting at home, knitting outfits for Jackie. Good grief, had I really believed that?
I guess I’d preferred the idea of growing old alone to enduring another heartbreak. Being dumped never got easier. In fact, it had seemed to hurt more each time—a blow to an already bruised heart. After my last disastrous relationship, I’d had enough of men and decided that it was high time I learned to enjoy life by myself―or, to quote one of my self-help books, with myself. This had been my mindset when Toni called to fix me up with Rob. I guess she hadn’t been interested in him for herself.
“He’s a doctor, and he’s cute” was the way she’d described him, which only threw me into a greater state of insecurity. Didn’t Toni realize that cute doctors didn’t want fat girlfriends? I’d tried to bow out but Toni had insisted, and a few weeks later, I found myself sitting across from a pleasant man, sharing a bottle of chardonnay. Much to my surprise, Rob had seemed to like me as much as I liked him. Then there had been a second date, then a third.
Getting Skinny (A Chef Landry Mystery) Page 3
